Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has expressed his concerns about holding national elections during wartime, suggesting that a potential delay to the scheduled March 2024 vote may be necessary.
In his nightly video address on November 6, Zelenskiy described discussing elections in such a frivolous manner as "utterly irresponsible" given the current challenges faced by the country.
Zelenskiy emphasized the need to prioritize defense efforts and the fate of the state and its people. He stated, "I believe elections are not appropriate at this time." The president also highlighted the public's demand for budget resources to be directed towards defense rather than infrastructure projects, stating, "That's the way it should be."
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba echoed Zelenskiy's sentiments on November 3, stating that holding a presidential election during wartime would present "unprecedented" challenges. Kuleba acknowledged that Ukraine was considering the pros and cons of such a decision, emphasizing that no other country would even contemplate holding elections amidst a large-scale invasion.
Under the martial law imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, elections are prohibited in Ukraine. Martial law must be extended every 90 days. Despite this, some in the West have urged Ukraine to proceed with the elections as a demonstration of Kyiv's commitment to democratic governance.
In late August, Zelenskiy had suggested that the 2024 elections could potentially proceed, even under wartime conditions, if financial assistance from Western allies was provided and if the country's lawmakers approved.
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